Lee Daniels to Direct The Brian Banks Story

Brian Banks, then a linebacker with the Atlanta Falcons, speaking with the media during the Falcons’ rookie mini camp on May 4, 2013, in Flowery Branch, Ga.

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In 2003, All-American high school athlete Brian Banks was on his way to the University of Southern California on a full football scholarship. But all that changed when his classmate Wanetta Gibson accused him of rape.

Banks, who was 16 at the time, followed his attorney’s ill-advised counsel and pleaded “no contest” to forcible rape, and ended up serving six years in jail for the alleged crime. During Banks’ imprisonment, Gibson successfully sued the Long Beach, Calif., school district for $1.5 million for not providing adequate security, which she stated could have prevented her rape.

“Lee is a filmmaker who looks at challenging circumstances with honesty, compassion and hope,” said Amy Baer, the film’s producer. “He has an emotional connection to Brian’s story that I’m certain will result in a powerful and redemptive film.”

Banks, who’s currently working with California’s Innocence Project, is excited about having his story told.

“All I ever wanted was to prove my innocence. Telling my story in the form of a feature film is beyond my wildest dreams. Having Lee Daniels come on board to direct the film is so exciting and such an honor,” Banks stated.